Thunder 127, Lakers 117
Russell Westbrook had 27 points and 11 assists and Enes Kanter added 25 points and 16 rebounds as Oklahoma City defeated visiting Los Angeles for its fourth straight victory.
Dion Waiters scored 23 points and Steven Adams added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who moved three games ahead of Phoenix in the battle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Anthony Morrow added 12 points on four 3-pointers and Oklahoma City was 11-of-21 from behind the arc.
Rookie Jordan Clarkson scored a season-best 30 points and added seven assists and three blocked shots for the Lakers, who have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Jeremy Lin added 19 points and seven assists, Ryan Kelly scored 16 points and Wayne Ellington had 15 points for the Lakers.
Oklahoma City led 114-94 with 8:06 remaining after D.J. Augustin hit a 3-pointer but the Lakers crept within 12 points five minutes later. Morrow drained a 3-pointer with 1:54 left to give the Thunder a 15-point lead and essentially seal the victory.
Kanter had 17 points and 12 rebounds in the first half as the Thunder built a 68-53 lead. Oklahoma City expanded the lead 20 on two free throws by Kanter with 4:28 remaining in the third quarter before settling for a 100-88 lead entering the fourth quarter.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Kanter has posted six consecutive double-doubles. … Frontcourt players Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill didn’t play for the Lakers and weren’t listed as having injuries. … Thunder SG Andre Robertson missed the game with an ankle injury.